Hello… I’m still sitting here…

Phones are always with us. In our pocket, in our hand, on the table. We get a notification when someone is trying to contact us and we look down. But do we answer it? Is it an appropriate time?

When we are by ourselves, in our own private space, the limits are endless. We check our social media, emails, send out text messages if we need to and I even go for the occasional face time. We aren’t necessarily controlled by rules and regulations or social etiquettes and expectations. But as soon as we are in the company of other people and surroundings, there may be.

In my family home, we have an extremely strict rule. This is DO NOT under any circumstances look at your phone when at the dinner table. I never really thought much of this rule, I always thought it was normal and that every family had their “no-phone zone” dinner time. But as I grew older and went around to my friend’s houses, I noticed that many families do use their phones at the dinner table.

It’s interesting because growing up having this rule around using my phone, has taught me the value of having this quality time with the people you are with and ,I guess, the insensitivity of being on your mobile phone in an intimate situation.

Although this rule, is not formal or regulated in the public space, there is certain conversation around the topic.

Research reported by the Daily Mail Australia have found that “mobile phones can damage personal relationships merely by their presence even when not in use.”

Two studies found that a mobile phone that is visible during a conversation, people feel less positive towards the person they are with. ‘In both studies we found evidence mobiles can have negative effects on closeness, connection, and conversation quality,’ said lead researcher Andrew Przybylski.

There are loads of other scenarios where mobile phones are also deemed inappropriate. The Pew Research Centre has found that the rudest public places to use a mobile phone are at a church or worship centre, at the cinema and other quiet spaces, during a meeting, at a family dinner and at a restaurant.

What do you think about using phones in the presence of other people? Do you think it’s downright rude or socially acceptable in this modern day?
Let me know in the comments!

In the meantime, read some really cringe-worthy moments of inappropriate phone use by clicking here.